Japan’s First Same-Sex Reality Show Aimed To Send Message: ‘Hey, They’re Just Like Us’

The Japanese television executives behind “The Boyfriend,” Netflix’s first-ever same-sex reality dating show, said the project aimed to “deepen the understanding” of the LGBTQ community in the socially conservative country. 

Like many other reality dating shows, the series features nine single men living in a beach house looking for love. But unlike so many American shows with the same premise, “The Boyfriend” is completely devoid of sexual content. Even the kissing scenes are tame by comparison, per Variety. 

“It’s no different from the familiar reality shows we’ve seen before. The only thing that felt odd or questionable was that, while there have been plenty of heterosexual reality shows, there have been so few featuring same-sex couples, and none in Japan,” casting director Taiki told the outlet. “We didn’t aim to create a special genre.”

The group behind the show says that was the point. Even if they weren’t explicitly talking about having sex, contestants did share their coming out stories on camera. Participants were encouraged to have deep discussions about life. 

“I don’t think this show has caused a 90-degree shift in public opinion, but it might have provided a moment for those who felt distant from LGBTQ+ people to realize that everyone struggles, enjoys life, makes friends and falls in love just like anyone else,” said Durian Lollobrigida, a drag queen who appeared as a commentator on the show. “It could lead them to think, ‘Hey, they’re just like us.’”

The drag queen said his presence on the show was “crucial.”

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“As this was Japan’s first romance reality show featuring male same-sex relationships, it was crucial to have someone from that community in the studio,” said Durian Lollobrigida, a drag queen who appeared as a commentator on the show. “Although my influence might be limited, by being a studio commentator who is a member of that community, I wanted to act as an interpreter … to help lower the barriers and deepen the understanding that viewers may have towards LGBTQ+.”

Variety also noted how producers intentionally made diversity a priority, casting men of Korean and Taiwanese descent despite a “social stigma” about other ethnicities in Japan. 

Even if they weren’t explicitly talking about having sex, contestants did share their coming out stories on camera. Participants were encouraged to have deep discussions about life. 

“I discussed with the cast how growth and valuable experiences stem from shared friendships, youth and struggles, not just romance. This led to many unexpected miracles on set,” Hishida Keisuke, the director, said.